By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 19: Laban-Mawprem independent MDC Ricky Shullai has expressed strong frustration over the continued failure of both the state government and the Executive Committee to address a critical issue affecting his constituency — many areas under his jurisdiction, being urban, are not eligible for schemes provided by the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Council CEM Shemborlang Rynjah on Tuesday, Shullai revealed that even the CEM admitted his inability to resolve the matter. He explained that he could not propose any schemes for his constituency because several areas under Laban-Mawprem are not recognised on the e-Gram Swaraj portal — a key platform for rural development schemes.
“To date, neither the government nor the Executive Committee has come up with a solution,” Shullai said, adding that residents of his constituency expect him to deliver development schemes in his capacity as MDC. “I am upset because I am unable to meet the expectations of my people.”
He pointed out that, except for Lawsothun, which qualifies as a rural area, the rest of the Laban and Mawprem localities are excluded from central schemes due to their urban classification. He further noted that around seven to eight other MDCs face similar challenges because their constituencies also fall within urban areas.
In an earlier attempt to resolve the matter, Shullai had sought intervention from the state government, urging it to take up the issue with the Centre. Specifically, he appealed to Deputy Chief Minister in charge of District Council Affairs (DCA), Prestone Tynsong, to request the Ministry of Finance to include Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the national portals used for implementing schemes under the 15th Finance Commission.
“We are not just a department — we are a constitutional body,” Shullai stressed. “If the KHADC governs an area, that area must be acknowledged in all national schemes and portals. Anything else undermines the Sixth Schedule.”
He also emphasised the importance of officially recognising all stakeholders under the KHADC, including traditional institutions such as the Hima, Raid, Syiem, Durbar Shnong, and Rangbah Shnong.